BLOATED MOTORWAY STRETCHED TO LIMIT

THE M1 is close to reaching capacity, causing more gridlock and hurting Queensland’s economy as it grinds to a halt.

More than 150,000 cars use the M1 each day to travel between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Thousands of other motorists are also using it an alternative to already congested arterial roads. The gridlock is costing the city tens of millions of dollars in lost wages and productivity each year.

Moncrieff MP and Federal Trade Minister Steven Ciobo said a long-term solution was needed to solve the gridlock issues on the M1

“As the Gold Coast and Brisbane populations continue to grow, the M1 will remain stressed and this is vital funding which needs to be matched by the State Government. We need a longterm solution,” he said.

“I am pleased the Coalition has once again delivered for the Coast.

“The M1 is a vital economic artery for this city.” Latest Treasury figures predict the Gold Coast workforce travelling to Brisbane will increase to 45,000 in 2040-41. Combined with 75,000 commuters from Logan, Brisbane’s transport network will need to cope with an influx of 120,000 workers each day. Among the mooted solutions was to build the inter-regional transport corridor, a “second M1 between Carrara and Stapylton.

If built the RACQ said it would likely take 60,000 cars off the M1.